Morocco now ranks 119th in the world for life expectancy, with an average lifespan of 76 years, according to new data from Voronoi, a global analytics platform specializing in international statistics. This figure places the country within the category of nations with medium human development—a status shaped by a complex mix of health, education, and infrastructure improvements over recent decades.
The country’s gradual gains in life expectancy are the result of various contributing factors. Broader access to healthcare, expanded vaccination programs, public hygiene awareness campaigns, improved educational attainment, and greater availability of essential services have all played a role. On a national scale, life expectancy is widely recognized as a key indicator of overall development, reflecting both the strength of a country’s public health systems and its level of social inclusion.
Compared to many of its African neighbors, Morocco performs relatively well. It’s just behind Algeria, where life expectancy averages 77 years, and ahead of Libya (73), Egypt (72), and Mauritania (63). Meanwhile, countries like Chad and Nigeria lag far behind, with average lifespans under 55 years—highlighting the stark disparities that continue to shape the continent.
Looking globally, the contrast is even more pronounced. Monaco tops the international rankings with an average life expectancy of 87 years, followed closely by San Marino and Hong Kong at 86. Wealthy nations in the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, also report averages around 83 years. These figures reflect highly advanced healthcare systems, strong preventive care strategies, and overall living standards that far exceed the global norm.
In Africa, longevity is still tightly linked to the ability of healthcare systems to deliver even the most basic services. High rates of infant mortality and preventable deaths among older adults continue to weigh heavily on life expectancy figures. The persistent lack of access to essential medications—particularly antibiotics—remains a critical risk factor, especially in rural and underserved areas.
For Morocco, the road ahead presents a dual challenge: building on the progress seen in urban centers, while addressing the lingering gaps in remote and marginalized regions. At 76 years, the country’s average life expectancy marks meaningful progress—but still falls short of the benchmarks set by more developed nations. The next phase will require narrowing access inequalities, investing in sustainable public health measures, and preparing for the pressures of an aging population.
